Ban for low trousers gains support

The fashion for wearing low trousers that reveal underwear could be made illegal in Virginia despite claims that such a law is unconstitutional and even racist.

Virginians who display their below-waist underwear in a "lewd or indecent manner" could now be fined £28.

Algie Howell, a Democrat who sponsored the bill in Virginia's House of Delegates, said his proposal had met with widespread support. However, his bill has attracted controversy with civil rights groups and fellow politicians saying it constitutes an attack on young blacks who tend to be the biggest fans of the low-slung look.

Mr Howell, who is black, said he was "just trying to legislate some common sense".

He said: "It bothers me that my grandchildren have to see people walking around holding their pants up with one hand."

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The look, known as "bustin' a sag" and not to be confused with the less fashionable "builder's bum", is assumed to have its roots in prison culture, where inmates are not allowed to wear belts.

Rap artists have made wearing baggy trousers at half mast fashionable for men, who usually sport boxer shorts underneath. Alexander McQueen's "bumsters" made the look a "must" for young women, who partner it with a thong.

The proposed law sparked a heated debate in the House of Delegates on Tuesday. Lionell Spruill, a black delegate, pleaded with his colleagues to remember their own youthful fashion follies.

He said it was an unconstitutional attack on blacks.

The measure was approved by 60 votes to 34 by the House of Delegates and now goes to the state's Senate.